In what could be seen, as a great development in the field of oceanography and volcanology, a new robot submarine will sample and catalogue life, gas, and sediments around the world’s hottest undersea vents. Dr. Copley of National Oceanography Centre (NOCS) said the sub would study the Caribbean volcanic ridge between Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, which is also the deepest ridge. The robotic sub has been christened Autosub6000 and it would work along with the Isis, Britain’s deepest-diving, remote operated vehicle.
The front part of the Autosub6000 would contain the scientific apparatus which would include temperature, depth and chemical sensors along with a sonar. The navigation beacon, propeller and the rudder are located in usual places and an antenna would help in communication and positioning. This combo would result in a double sub where the Autobus6000 would take the first plunge followed by the Isis and later study the samples’ geochemistry. Animal samples from the area would be acquired as well. The deep seas hold a number of secrets and the high temperature may have helped evolve unknown species and discovering this has been one of the agendas of the researchers. This may also help answer many mysterious questions about oceanic ecological systems.
Via: BBC
